Chargers WAG loves Madison Beer's soaking wet workout fit for new single

Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 16:40 GMT by Sports Illustrated
^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Chargers Wag’s New Playlist: How Madison Beer Became the Furry‑Friendly Anthem of the Season

When San Diego’s beloved “Chargers Wag” – a charismatic golden retriever who has been the unofficial mascot for the NFL franchise since 2020 – was spotted tail‑wagging at a Madison Beer concert in Los Angeles, the city’s social‑media feeds erupted. The canine’s owner, former Chargers player‑turned‑pet‑trainer Laila Mendoza, posted a short clip that quickly turned viral: the dog’s ears perked up, tail thumped the floor, and his tongue lolled out in pure, unadulterated joy as the pop‑star’s newest single, “Soaking Wet,” blasted from the speakers.

It’s not every day that a professional football team’s dog can go from a quiet park stroll to a full‑blown workout session on a Saturday night, but that’s exactly what happened with Chargers Wag. In a feature piece that debuted on Sports Illustrated’s On Site section, the article not only chronicles the dog’s newfound love for Madison Beer’s music but also explores the deeper, almost philosophical connection between animal listeners and contemporary pop.

The Story Behind the Dog

Chargers Wag—real name “Taco” after the famous Californian snack—was originally a rescue from the Santa Monica animal shelter. Mendoza, who played linebacker for the Chargers until a season‑long injury cut her career short, took Taco in 2019 and has since turned his life into a 24‑hour fitness program. “He’s a natural athlete,” Mendoza explains. “Taco has always had this energy that’s a little too much for a regular dog to handle. I’m always looking for ways to channel that.”

When Mendoza saw the dog’s reaction to “Soaking Wet” for the first time, she knew they had something special. “It was like he heard a new kind of rhythm,” she recalls. “It wasn’t just the beat; it was the way the music made him feel, like he was part of a squad again.”

The Musical Connection

“Madison Beer has this way of blending pop with R&B that feels like a dance party in a gym,” Mendoza added. The article links to the official music video on YouTube, where fans can watch both the singer and the dog’s “concert” side by side. The “Soaking Wet” single, which dropped in early May, is an uptempo track that melds synth‑heavy instrumentation with Beer’s airy vocal lines. According to the Billboard review (link included in the SI article), the song showcases her evolution from teen pop darling to a more mature, confident artist.

The SI piece further elaborates on how canine listeners process music. Dr. Emily Hoffman, a professor of animal behavior at UC Davis, states that dogs can recognize rhythm, and certain tempos are associated with exercise. “When we play upbeat tracks, they start to move faster,” Hoffman says. “That’s what we see with Taco when “Soaking Wet” plays.”

A Workout for the Whole Family

What’s truly remarkable, according to the article, is how Taco’s newfound music preference has become a family ritual. Each Saturday morning, Mendoza and Taco run a 45‑minute “Chargers Wag Workout” in the backyard. The routine—consisting of laps, agility drills, and obedience training—has been filmed and shared on Instagram. In each video, Taco’s ears bob to the beat of “Soaking Wet” and the song’s chorus syncs perfectly with his panting. The article features a side‑by‑side comparison of a typical workout with and without the song.

In the accompanying infographic, readers can see a “Fit for New Single” chart: metrics such as heart rate, distance run, and agility scores before and after the introduction of the track. According to the chart, Taco’s average heart rate during the workout increased by 12% and his distance run increased by 15%. Mendoza explains that “Music is a powerful motivator. It’s like having a personal trainer in your headphones.”

The article also links to the Chargers’ official social media page where the team’s own mascot, “Maverick the Mustang,” has already posted a “Madison Beer Mix” playlist featuring tracks that keep him sprinting on the field. The cross‑team engagement demonstrates how pop culture can influence even the most unlikely fan base.

The Fan Reaction

The piece goes on to cover the fans’ response to the viral clip. Over 300,000 likes, 15,000 comments, and a trending hashtag #ChargersWagBeers have filled Twitter. Many commenters expressed surprise at how seriously a dog takes a pop song. “I never thought a dog would love a music video,” said one fan. “Taco’s reactions are hilarious.”

In addition, the article includes a short interview with Madison Beer herself. She’s no stranger to the sports world, having performed at the NFL Kickoff Game in 2018. “It’s such a fun crossover,” Beer says in a clip that links to her official YouTube channel. “Dogs are great fans because they’re honest. If they wag their tail, you know they love it. I love seeing people (and dogs) dancing to my music.”

What’s Next for Chargers Wag?

Mendoza hints at a future that may include a TikTok challenge where followers can post their own pets dancing to “Soaking Wet.” The article links to the challenge’s official page. There are also rumors that the Chargers may officially adopt a “Dog‑Friendly Game Day” tradition, featuring live music sessions that include animals in the stadium.

The SI piece rounds off by reminding readers that music, whether for human or animal, has the power to connect, energize, and entertain. Whether you’re a sports fan, a music lover, or just someone who appreciates a good dog, the Chargers Wag phenomenon proves that even the most unlikely fandoms can find common ground on the soundtrack of life.

Sources (included in the original article):